Read practical advice
Explore straightforward guides for choosing, using and caring for garden products.
Visit the Advice CentreOutdoor plants
Product information
Everything useful in one place, with the most important information kept separate from the buying controls above.
About this product
Hydrangea ano. 'Petiolaris' / 5L / 23Cm
Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris
Confirmed format: 5 Litre Pot (P23)
Plant Highlights: Self-clinging deciduous climber • Elegant creamy-white lacecap flowers • Thrives on north-facing walls and shady areas • Attractive peeling bark provides winter interest
Overview
Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris, commonly known as Climbing Hydrangea, is a superb self-clinging climber that brings beauty to walls, fences and mature trees, particularly in shaded areas where many flowering climbers struggle. During early summer, large, flat clusters of creamy-white lacecap flowers stand out against lush green foliage, creating an elegant display that is both refined and long-lasting. As the seasons change, the leaves develop soft autumn tones before falling to reveal an attractive framework of branches and decorative peeling bark, ensuring year-round garden interest. Slow to establish but exceptionally rewarding, this is one of the finest climbers for shaded gardens.
Why We Love It
One of the best flowering climbers for shady gardens, with a self-clinging habit that reduces the need for support. Its elegant white flowers brighten darker spots, while attractive peeling bark and branching offer winter interest long after the leaves fall.
Plant Details
| Botanical Name | Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Climbing Hydrangea |
| Plant Type | Deciduous self-clinging climber |
| Foliage | Mid-green deciduous leaves |
| Flower Colour | Creamy white |
| Flower Form | Lacecap |
| Flowering Season | Early to mid-summer |
| Growth Habit | Vigorous, self-clinging climber |
| Light Requirements | Partial shade or shade; tolerates full sun with adequate moisture |
| Soil Type | Fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil |
| Mature Height | Approximately 8–12m |
| Mature Spread | Approximately 4–8m |
| Hardiness | RHS H5 (−15°C to −10°C). |
Growing Guide
| Position | Plant in partial shade or shade in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Particularly well suited to north- or east-facing walls, and will also grow in full sun if the soil remains consistently moist. |
|---|---|
| Watering | Water regularly during the establishment period and during prolonged dry spells, particularly in warmer weather. |
| Soil Care | Grow in humus-rich, fertile soil with good drainage. Apply organic mulch in spring to help retain moisture and improve soil structure. |
| Pruning | Little routine pruning is needed. Remove dead or damaged stems and lightly trim after flowering if necessary to control size or shape. |
Perfect For
- North-facing walls
- Shady fences
- Woodland gardens
- Covering mature trees
- Cottage gardens
Good to Know
- Nectar-rich flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects during the flowering season.
- Slow to establish initially, but provides exceptional long-term structure and beauty.
Product Information
| Supplied Format | 5 Litre Pot (P23) |
|---|---|
| Packaging Note | Decorative pots and supports shown, if any, are not included. |
Growing & care
- Plant type
- climber
- Position & light
- Full sun· Partial shade
- Watering
- moderate
- Soil & drainage
- Well drained· Moist
- Mature size
- 12.0m high· 8.0m wide
- Flowering
- Early to mid-summer· White· Cream· Multicolour
- Foliage
- deciduous
Useful to know
Pollinator friendly
Choose with confidence
Find the right plant for your space
Use the Plant Finder, practical advice or our in-store team before deciding.
See it before choosing
Visit Easy Garden to compare products in person and speak with our team.
Plan your visit